One for the books
A 15th century manuscript containing some of the greatest masterpieces of medieval Irish literature has returned home to the Rebel county.
The Book of Lismore was donated to UCC yesterday by the Trustees of the Chatsworth Settlement and the Duke of Devonshire in recognition of academic and curatorial expertise at the university.
The book has been in the possession of the Cavendish family and their ancestors since the 1640s and kept at Lismore Castle, County Waterford, and in more recent times at Chatsworth House in Derbyshire.
The Interim President of UCC, Professor John O’Halloran said the donation was a historic moment for UCC and that the book is a “vital symbol of our cultural heritage”.
“The donation of the Book of Lismore to UCC Library emphasises the central connection between Cork and Gaelic learning through the ages.
“This extraordinary act of generosity by the Duke of Devonshire reaffirms the shared understanding between our respective countries and cultures, an understanding that is based on enlightenment, civility and common purpose.”
The history of the manuscript dates back to the late 15th century when it was compiled for its noble patrons Fínghin Mac Carthaigh (McCarthy) Riabhach, and his wife, Caitilín.
The book is understood to have been written at Kilbrittain Castle in county Cork.
With over 200 Gaelic manuscripts in its collection, UCC is Ireland’s leading centre for the study of the materiality of the literary artefacts of Gaelic Ireland.
The Book of Lismore will now become the centrepiece of this large collection.
The manuscript is written on vellum and is at least 150 years older than any other manuscript volume in UCC’s collection.
The spectroscopic study in UCC of vellums and inks in Irish manuscripts recently received national recognition through a substantial Advanced Laureate award to Prof Pádraig Ó Macháin from the Irish Research Council.
Commenting on the donation Prof Ó Macháin said: “Looking to the future, and anticipating the generations of students who will be introduced to the book as a vital and visible part of their studies – be they linguistic, calligraphic, literary, historical, socio-political or other – the presence of The Book of Lismore in Cork, and its crucial part in the Gaelic heritage of Ireland, will be seen as a core contribution to the cultural and educational identity of UCC.”